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Winchester House, Putney, London
Contact Information
Description
Welcome to Number 10
Number 10 Lower Richmond Road, more usually referred to as Winchester House, is a fabulous part Queen Anne period property occupying an enviable site overlooking the river close to Putney Bridge. Although a private club, it nonetheless is available to hire for all kinds of entertaining, but more about this in a moment as first of all it is perhaps important to give a brief history of the place.
Although considered one of the oldest house in Putney with records dating the original building back to 1636, needless to say it has been subject to ‘recent’ additions’, most notably of which is the Victorian ‘west wing’ extension. So what, it is still seeped in history and indeed it is said that there exists an old tunnel running beneath the Thames linking Winchester House on the Putney shore to the Bishop’s Palace on the opposite side. Rumour goes on to suggest that the incumbent bishop regularly accepted hospitality and liquid fortification from his friends in the big house on the Putney side – so, if you thought the term ‘booze cruise’ was an advent of the late twentieth century, you could be mistaken.
Considering a house with such origins, it is perhaps not altogether surprising that people whisper about the presence of a ghost. In fact, the image that mysteriously appeared in a recent photograph (taken by a wedding photographer) is not entirely dissimilar to someone from the Cromwellian era. Given that Oliver Cromwell himself is reported to have planted the mulberry tree in the garden, you could be forgiven for thinking this is not altogether a coincidence…….
The grounds of this important Putney house used to extend to several acres. Clearly though, one of the previous owners saw an opportunity to make a quick buck and sold off what was then the orchard and what is now two rows of expensive terrace housing known as Ruvigny Gardens. In spite of this, the house still enjoys grounds of about half an acre with the rear lawn enjoying commanding views across the Thames to Bishops Park on the north side.
Fascinating though this history might be the average person is probably much more interested in what Winchester House can offer today. Situated as it is on the embankment this unique, little known gem can accommodate 120 for a formal dinner, and many more than that with a marquee. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it is ideal for receptions, barbecues, buffets, dinners and dances whilst being also popular for meetings, seminars, conferences, staff ‘team building’ or ‘fun days’ and even filming. Christmas parties too, work especially well here with marquee erected annually specifically for the purpose of Festive entertaining.
All bookings for Winchester House are made through the ‘in house’ caterers, AM & PM CATERING, a professional, friendly company with a fine reputation for exacting standards of cuisine and service. Appointed to the property back in 1983, their continued presence at Winchester House is testimony indeed to their exceptional standards. In fact, this combination of high quality caterer and unique riverside venue makes for a truly desirable location whatever the occasion, business or pleasure.
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Fact File
River Room can accommodate 124 formally seated for dinner
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Location
| South side of the Putney Bridge, approximately 300 yards along the lower Richmond Road, next to the Dukes Head Pub |
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